• Volume 88,Issue 4,2014 Table of Contents
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    • Two New Fossil Sawflies (Hymenoptera, Xyelidae, Xyelinae) from the Middle Jurassic of China

      2014, 88(4):1027-1033.

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      Abstract:Two new genera with two new species of sawflies, Cathayxyela extensa gen. et sp. nov. and Aequixyela immensa gen. et sp. nov., from the Middle Jurassic Jiulongshan Formation of southeastern Inner Mongolia, China, are assigned to the subfamily Xyelinae (Hymenoptera, Xyelidae). Cathayxyela gen. nov. can be distinguished by the third antennal article longer than the head; mesoprescutum and mesoscutellum nearly equal in length; the forewing with Sc meeting C before the junction of 1-M and 1-Rs; a weak and narrow pterostigma; and 3-Cu at least 1.5 times longer than the 1m-cu. Aequixyela gen. nov. is characterized by the third antennal article nearly as long as the head; the forewing with Rs+M approximately equal to 2?Rs in length; 2m-cu inclined toward the wing base and nearly reaching the middle of cell 3rm; 1m-cu as long as the 2?Cu and 3?Cu; and the cell 2cua of regular hexagonal shape.

    • A New Enantiornithes (Aves) from the Early Cretaceous of China

      2014, 88(4):1034-1040.

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      Abstract:A new bird from the early Cretaceous Yixian Formation of Liaoning, China is described. This new species, Grabauornis lingyuanensis, shares several synapomorphies with the Enantiornithes. The specimen is relatively well preserved. The skeletal morphology of Grabauornis bears close resemblance to that of other Chinese members of this clade. The brachial index (the ratio between the lengths of humerus and ulna) is 0.95, which is close to the average for enantiornithine birds. It indicates that Grabauornis was a rather good flyer, and the presence of an alula in the wing further testifies to this.

    • A New Lizard (Lepidosauria: Squamata) from the Upper Cretaceous of Henan, China

      2014, 88(4):1041-1050.

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      Abstract:Funiusaurus luanchuanensis gen. et sp. nov. was described on the basis of an incomplete skull from the Upper Cretaceous Qiupa Formation of the Tantou Basin in Luanchuan County, Henan Province. It is the second representative of lizards known from Luanchuan and adds a new member to the Luanchuan Fauna. F. luanchuanensis is a small-sized lizard and systematically assigned to the Polyglyphanodontidae of the Teiioidea because of the presence of a caniniform tooth and an elongate posterior process of the postorbital. It is distinctive in that the heterodont dentition bears 19 teeth in both the upper and lower jaws, the 3rd maxillary tooth is large and caniniform, the post-caniniform teeth in maxilla and those posterior to the 3rd dentary tooth are chisel-like in lateral view, the prefrontal possesses a fossa on its lateral surface, the postorbital with an extremely elongate posterior process and the well-developed retroarticular process has a deep fossa on its dorsal surface. In phylogeny, our analysis suggests a close relationship of Funiusaurus to the large-sized Tianyusaurus from the same basin within the Tuberocephalosaurinae. The discovery of Funiusaurus is significant in confirming the status of the Tuberocephalosaurinae, which includes a group of the Asian members of the Polyglyphanodontidae only.

    • A New Carcharodontosauria (Theropoda) from the Early Cretaceous of Guangxi, Southern China

      2014, 88(4):1051-1059.

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      Abstract:A new large-bodied theropod dinosaur, Datanglong guangxiensis gen. et sp. nov., was recovered from the Lower Cretaceous Xinlong Formation of the Datang Basin, Guangxi. It is unique in several features including: posteriormost dorsal vertebra with teardrop-shaped pneumatic foramen confined by enlarged pcdl, acpl and the centrum; posteriormost dorsal with well-developed, horizontal prpl; posteriormost dorsal with a parapophysis projecting more laterally than the diapophysis; brevis fossa shallow with short, ridge-like medial blade; and iliac pubic peduncle with posteroventrally expanded margin. Cladistic analysis supports the idea that this new taxon Datanglong guangxiensis is a primitive member of the Carcharodontosauria in possessing two unambiguous synapomorphies: large external pneumatic foramina and internal spaces present in the lateral surface of ilium, and a peg-and-socket ischiac articulation with the ilium. The presence of the new taxon from Guangxi further confirms that Carcharodontosauria were cosmopolitan large-bodied predators during the Early–mid Cretaceous.

    • Large-Sized Ankylosaur (Dinosauria) from the Lower Cretaceous Jiufotang Formation of Western Liaoning, China

      2014, 88(4):1060-1065.

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      Abstract:Two incomplete bones referred to ankylosaur scapulocoracoid and humerus are described, which were discovered from the Early Cretaceous Jiufotang Formation of Dachengzi Town, Kazuo County, Liaoning Province. Ankylosaur dinosaurs have ever been found in the Lower Cretaceous Yixian, Fuxin and Sunjiawan Formations of western Liaoning. The occurrence of ankylosaurs within Jiufotang Formation improves our knowledge on the ankylosaur stratigraphic distribution. Based on the length of scapulocoracoid, the new dinosaur is estimated to exceed 6.0 meters long, representing the largest ankylosaur in western Liaoning.

    • Bamboo Leaf and Pollen Fossils from the Late Miocene of Eastern Zhejiang, China and their Phytogeological Significance

      2014, 88(4):1066-1083.

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      Abstract:Fossil bamboo leaves and pollen from Upper Miocene deposits of the Shengxian Formation in Tiantai and Ninghai counties, eastern Zhejiang, China represent a rare record in Asia. The distinctive pseudopetiole and parallel venation of the leaf blades and the clearly thickened annulus of the pollen aperture place them in the subfamily Bambusoideae. Morphological analysis supports the determination of these fossil leaves as belonging to the genus Bambusium and two new species are described. Bambusium latipseudopetiolus Q.J. Wang et B.N. Sun sp. nov. has a distinctly wide pseudopetiole of 0.23 cm in width and 0.40 cm in length, several vascular bundles on parallel veins, and 5–8 lateral veins on both sides of the midrib. Bambusium longipseudopetiolus Q.J. Wang et B.N. Sun sp. nov. has a distinctly long pseudopetiole of 0.60 cm in length and 0.10 cm in width, several vascular bundles on the pseudopetiole, and 6 lateral veins on both sides of the midrib. Pollen grains from the same layer provide additional evidence of bamboos. They are characterized by 32.0–51.0 μm in diameter, a round pore 3.0–4.0 μm in diameter with a broad thickened annulus 2.5–3.5 μm around, and several conspicuous secondary folds on the exine surface. The morphological analysis leads to their assignment to Graminidites bambusoides Stuchlik. These fossils are important for the study of bamboo phytogeography in China. They demonstrate that there were bamboos growing in southeastern China during the Late Miocene and that bamboos in Zhejiang begin to diversify no later than the Late Miocene. In combination with bamboo fossils from other places, it seems that bamboos had a wide distribution across southern China during the Miocene, ranging from southwestern Yun’nan to southeastern Zhejiang.

    • Structure, Timing, and Mechanism of the Pliocene and Late Miocene Uplift Process of the Ailao Shan-Diancang Shan, SE Tibet, China

      2014, 88(4):1084-1101.

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      Abstract:The uplift of the Ailao Shan-Diancang Shan (ASDS) along the Ailao Shan-Red River (ASRR) shear zone is an important geological event in the southeastern margin of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau tectonic domain in the Late Cenozoic, and it preserves important information on the structures, exhumational history and tectonic evolution of the ASRR shear zone. The uplift structural mode and uplift timing of the ASDS is currently an important scientific topic for understanding the ASDS formation and late stage movements and evolution of the ASRR shear zone. The formation of the ASDS has been widely considered to be the consequence of the strike-slip movements of the ASRR shear zone. However, the shaping of geomorphic units is generally direct results of the latest tectonic activities. In this study, we investigated the timing and uplift structural mechanism of the ASDS and provided the following lines of supportive evidence. Firstly, the primary tectonic foliation of the ASDS shows significant characteristic variations, with steeply dipping tectonic foliation developed on the east side of the ASDS and the relatively horizontal foliation on the west side. Secondly, from northeast to southwest direction, the deformation and metamorphism gradually weakened and this zone can be further divided into three different metamorphic degree belts. Thirdly, the contact relationship between the ASDS and the Chuxiong basin-Erhai lake is a normal fault contact which can be found on the east side of the ASDS. 40Ar/39 Argeochronology suggests that the Diancang Shan had experienced a fast cooling event during 3–4 Ma. The apatite fission track testing method gives the age of 6.6–10.7 Ma in the Diancang Shan and 4.6–8.4 Ma in the Ailao Shan, respectively. Therefore the uplift of the ASDS can be explained by tilted block mode in which the east side was uplifted much higher than the west side, and it is not main reason of the shearing movements of the ASRR shear zone. The most recent uplift stages of the ASDS happened in the Pliocene (3–4 Ma) and Late Miocene (6–10 Ma).

    • Deformation Structures of the Madao Gneiss in South Qinling: Structural Analysis, Geochronological Constraints, and Tectonic Implications

      2014, 88(4):1102-1119.

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      Abstract:The tectonic evolution of South Qinling, which is a main part of the Qinling orogenic belt, is still in dispute and deformation history of South Qinling is poorly studied. In this paper, detailed structural, microstructural, quartz c-axis fabric analysis, and geochronology results for the Madao gneiss in South Qinling are presented to characterize the deformation history. Results show that rocks in the northern part (Tiefodian-Laozhanggou) experience general shearing and deform at relative low temperature. The shear sense generally is south to north. In contrast, rocks in the southern part (Laozhanggou-Panjiahe) are weakly sheared with pure shear features and evidence of high-temperature deformation. Based on the analyses, we conclude that there exist two distinct deformation geometries in the Madao gneiss and accordingly we can divide the deformation into two stages. The early stage is represented by regional shortening, while the late stage features northward thrust shearing and evidence shows that it was a progressive process between them. LA-ICP MS U-Pb dating of zircons from pre-deformational migmatite veins yields age of 198.5 ± 2.0 Ma. This result, in combination with the age of post-deformational granite, indicates that the northward thrust shearing of the Madao gneiss occurred in the Late Triassic. In view of these results and other reported data in South Qinling, we propose that deformation in Madao gneiss may result from the initial collision and subsequent northward accretion in Late Triassic.

    • Tectonic Evolution of the Wanan Basin, Southwestern South China Sea

      2014, 88(4):1120-1130.

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      Abstract:Quantitative studies on the extension and subsidence of the Wanan Basin were carried out based on available seismic and borehole data together with regional geological data. Using balanced cross-section and backstripping techniques, we reconstructed the stratigraphic deposition and tectonic evolution histories of the basin. The basin formed from the Eocene and was generally in an extensional/transtensional state except for the Late Miocene local compression. The major basin extension occurred in the Oligocene and Early Miocene (before ~16.3 Ma) and thereafter uniform stretch in a smaller rate. The northern and middle basin extended intensely earlier during 38.6–23.3 Ma, while the southern basin was mainly stretched during 23.3–16.3 Ma. The basin formation and development are related to alternating sinistral to dextral strike-slip motions along the Wanan Fault Zone. The dominant dynamics may be caused by the seafloor spreading of the South China Sea and the its peripheral plate interaction. The basin tectonic evolution is divided into five phases: initial rifting, main rifting, rift-drift transition, structural inversion, and thermal subsidence.

    • Dating Fault Activity Based on Surface Texture of Quartz Grains from the Bailong River Fault

      2014, 88(4):1131-1144.

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      Abstract:Much important information referring to fault motion (e.g., fault activities period, intensity, frequency, and even dynamic background) can be revealed by resolving fault gouge, which is the result of fault motion while extruding or grinding. The field investigation encompassed sample collecting from the Bailong River fault system of the western segment of the Qinling Orogenic Belt (QOB); 44 samples of fault gouges were collected for quartz micro-morphology analysis. These samples were analyzed using field emission scanning electron microscopy. In addition, 14 samples were tested for thermo-luminescence dating. The results showed that most of the surface textures of quartz grains are characterized by fish scale, moss-like texture, and stalactite. However, a small amount of orange peel-like fractures and worm-hole-like shaped surface texture were observed. Moreover, a few typical conchoids or subconchoidal fractures in quartz grains can be seen. This implies that the Bailong River Fault was active repeatedly during the Quaternary period, but the main motion period is the Pleistocene. The 14 thermo-luminescence dating values showed two age groups: 343.29?184.06 ka and 92.18?13.87 ka. These study data reveal that fault movement started during the Pliocene, occurred frequently in the early-middle period of the Pleistocene, and the peak frequency of the motion was reached in the early Pleistocene. The fault motions were stopped terminated in the early Holocene. The results are significant for the natural disaster risk evaluation in the western segment of the QOB.

    • Structural Characteristics of the Andaman Forearc Inferred from Interpretation of Multichannel Seismic Reflection Data

      2014, 88(4):1145-1156.

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      Abstract:The Andaman Forearc Basin (AFB) is asymmetric in configuration and filled with a ~6 km-thick pile of Neogene to Recent sediments (~4 s in two-way travel time: TWT) with distinct zonation. It shows gradual thinning up to ~3 km (0.8 s in TWT) towards the eastern end with a seabed gradient of 1:30. Thick deformed sediments ~2 s (TWT) of the Outerarc are associated with intense faulting and occasional folding caused by recent tectonics. Development of a series of faults within the upwarped sedimentary column of Oligocene top to Recent is observed with a rotated fault block. These features are manifestations of Recent igneous intrusion, and reveal the presence of a mild N–S compressional regime. Its effect on the AFB resulted in further uplift of sediments, which can now be seen as the Invisible Bank. Forward gravity modelling supporting our seismic interpretation reveals that it is associated with igneous intrusion from the Moho (~9 km depth), and also suggests that continental crust underlies the AFB. Strong Bottom Simulating Reflector (BSR)-like features in the Miocene sediments of Outerarc and Forearc basin at a depth of 0.6 s below the seabed suggest the inferred probable occurrence of gas hydrates in the AFB.

    • Seismic Hazard Assessment of District Mansehra, Khyber Pakhtoonkhawa, Pakistan

      2014, 88(4):1157-1168.

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      Abstract:The site of Mansehra is located seismically in an active regime, known as the Crystalline Nappe Zone and Hazara-Kashmir Syntaxis in NW Himalayas, Pakistan. Seismic Hazard Assessment (SHA) for the site has been carried out by considering the earthquake source zones, selection of appropriate attenuation equations, near fault effects and maximum potential magnitude estimation. The Mansehra Thrust, Oghi Fault, Banna Thrust, Balakot Shear Zone, Main Boundary Thrust, Panjal Thrust, Jhelum Fault and Muzaffarabad Fault and, further to the south, the Sanghargali, Nathiagali, and Thandiani Thrusts are the most critical tectonic features within the 50 km radius of Mansehra. Using the available instrumental seismological data from 1904 to 2007, SHA has been carried out. Other reactivated critical tectonic features in the area have been investigated. Among them the Balakot-Bagh fault, with the fault length of 120 km from Balakot to Poonch, has been considered as the most critical tectonic feature on the basis of geological/structural/seismological data. The potential earthquake of maximum magnitude 7.8 has been assigned to the Balakot-Bagh fault using four regression relations. The peak ground acceleration value of 0.25 g (10% probability of exceedance for 50 years) and 0.5 g has been calculated with the help of the attenuation equation using probabilistic and deterministic approaches.

    • A New Method for Determining Fluid Compositions in the H2O-NaCl-CaCl2 System with Cryogenic Raman Spectroscopy

      2014, 88(4):1169-1182.

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      Abstract:Raman peaks of various hydrates in the H2O-NaCl-CaCl2 system have been previously identified, but a quantitative relationship between the Raman peaks and XNaCl (i.e., NaCl/(NaCl+CaCl2)) has not been established, mainly due to the difficulty to freeze the solutions. This problem was solved by adding alumina powder to the solutions to facilitate nucleation of crystals. Cryogenic (-185oC) Raman spectroscopic studies of alumina-spiced solutions indicate that XNaCl is linearly correlated with the total peak area fraction of hydrohalite. Capsules of solutions made from silica capillary were prepared to simulate fluid inclusions. Most of these artificial fluid inclusions could not be totally frozen even at temperatures as low as -185oC, and the total peak area fraction of hydrohalite is not correlated linearly with XNaCl. However, the degree of deviation (DXNaCl) from the linear correlation established earlier is related to the amount of residual solution, which is reflected by the ratio (r) of the baseline “bump” area, resulting from the interstitial unfrozen brine near 3435 cm-1, and the total hydrate peak area between 3350 and 3600 cm-1. A linear correlation between DXNaCl and r is established to estimate XNaCl from cryogenic Raman spectroscopic analysis for fluid inclusions.

    • Zircon U-Pb Ages of the Granodioritic Porphyry in the Laba Molybdenum Deposit, Yunnan, SW China and Its Geological Implication

      2014, 88(4):1183-1194.

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      Abstract:The Geza island-arc is a well-known mineralization concentration area, part of the Sanjiang Domain at the east margin of the Tibetan Plateau. In recent years, several Late Yanshanian granitic intrusions and associated deposits have been found in this region, the largest one of which in the Shangri–La region is the Laba molybdenum deposit. Previous studies suggested that the timing of the Laba mineralization is 85 ± 2 Ma. However, the ages of the granodioritic porphyry remain unknown. In this study, LA-ICP-MS U-Pb dating of zircons from three samples of the molybdenite-bearing granodioritic porphyry has been conducted with resulting dates of 85.00 ± 0.23 Ma (MSWD = 0.58), 85.28 ± 0.28 Ma (MSWD = 1.12), and 84.83 ± 0.26 Ma (MSWD = 0.79), respectively, indicating that these granodioritic porphyries formed in the Late Yanshanian around ~85 Ma. Combined with the geological features of the mineralization, the Laba deposit is spatially, temporally, and probably genetically associated with the granodioritic porphyries. In addition, the ages of the Laba deposits are consistent with the other Late Yanshanian intrusions and mineralization, suggesting that the mineralization was probably generated under an intra-plate extensional environment during the Late Cretaceous.

    • Discrimination of Different Erosion Levels of Porphyry Cu Deposits using ASTER Image Processing in Eastern Iran: a Case Study in the Maherabad, Shadan, and Chah Shaljami Areas

      2014, 88(4):1195-1213.

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      Abstract:The Lut block, eastern Iran, is one of the most extensive Cenozoic magmatic rocks, that show suitable targets for porphyry Cu-Au and high-sulfidation epithermal Au related to porphyry Cu-Au mineralization. In this study, Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) was used to identify different erosion levels of three porphyry Cu deposits, including Maherabad, Shadan, and Chah Shaljami, located in the Lut block volcanic-plutonic belt. Alteration minerals, including kaolinite, dickite, alunite, jarosite, epidote, chlorite, montmorillonite, muscovite, biotite, orthoclase, gypsum, and quartz, are selected to map different alteration zones and erosion levels. Distributions of end-members are mapped by using the SAM and MTMF in VNIR and SWIR of ASTER bands and the results are evaluated against the field studies. For some end-members, the results of SAM processing are more reliable compared to the MTMF because the latter looses field spectra. The use of angle threshold in the SAM, and MF-score and infeasibility value in the MTMF or low abundance of some end-members, and finally comparison of output images of spectral processing show good correlation with alteration maps. Differentiation and explanation of various erosion levels of porphyry Cu deposits are done successfully by using the ASTER sensor data.

    • Natural Gas Types, Distribution Controlling Factors, and Future Exploration in the Western Qaidam Basin

      2014, 88(4):1214-1226.

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      Abstract:The Paleogene and Neogene oil and gas in the western Qaidam basin have a regular distribution in three concentric zones from the edge to the center of the basin. Natural gas mainly occurs in the inner zone, and the gas-oil ratio of the northern area of the basin is significantly higher than that of the southern area. Large amounts of carbon isotope data of natural gas, plotted in X-shaped and comprehensive identification diagrams for the southern area and northern area, respectively, were used to identify the types of natural gas. The large-scale distribution of natural gas is highly consistent with the Ro values of major source rocks, but is poorly correlated with the type of organic matter. This indicates that the main controlling factor of natural gas distribution is organic matter maturity, and the kerogen types act as the basis for the formation of different types of natural gas. Paleouplifts and squeezed anticlines near hydrocarbon generation depression centers, which are major natural gas-rich regions, control the migration directions of natural gas, while hydrocarbon migration pathways and fault systems connecting gas sources are the most important factors for natural gas reservoir formation in the inner basin. Therefore, favorable zones for natural gas distribution can be predicted on the basis of the distribution of thermal evolution and the gas generation intensity of major source rocks as well as the structural map. The Shizigou-Youshashan-Yingdong-Dawusi, Youquanzi –Kaitemilike - Youdunzi, and Xiaoliangshan – Nanyishan - Dafengshan structural belts are favorable zones for natural gas accumulation. This study has important theoretical and practical significance for future natural gas exploration.

    • Environmental Isotopic Characterization of Groundwater and Surface Water in Northeast Missan Province, South Iraq

      2014, 88(4):1227-1238.

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      Abstract:The present work studies the environmental isotopes assess groundwater characteristics of the different parts of the main aquifer in the northeast Missan Province in south of Iraq. Water samples of groundwater and surface water were collected for two dry and wet seasons during the water year of 2011–2012. The study shows that most of the groundwater in the aquifer falls above the global meteoric water line, and all the samples fall below the Mediterranean meteoric water line, indicating that these samples are a mixture of two water types. The tritium content of these samples supports this conclusion. The overall conclusion of this study indicates that there are two sources of groundwater recharge in the studied area: the ephemeral streams (Teeb and Dewerge) and major precipitation sources. According to the tritium levels at or below one tritium unit (TU) obtained from the water, supply wells are highly confined or “not vulnerable”. Overall, the 3H results imply that recent recharge has taken place during the last four to five decades. In the recharge area, the high tritium content in the southern part of the Teeb area suggests that the recharge originates from rapid in?ltration of surface runoff. Therefore, the groundwater resources in the study area should be protected from contamination, because it will influence the aquifer in a relatively short period of time if any contamination enters the recharge areas of the aquifer.

    • Reconstruction Paleoclimate Dased on Sporopollen Record of Re’nacuo Lake, Tibet

      2014, 88(4):1239-1251.

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      Abstract:The sedimentary sequences since 33 ka B.P. to 10 ka B.P. have been established in the Re’nacuo-Lake, Gaize area of north Tibet, through a study of a lacustrine section. The climate since 33 ka B.P. to 10 ka B.P. may be divided into two cycle include 5 dry phases and 5 moist phases from reconstructing the paleoclimate through a study of sporopollen analysis. It mainly reflects the general regularity of global climatic change through contrasting with the pale environment in northern hemisphere. Our pollen record reveals a regional climate history similar to those from the neighboring sites, including the GISP2, the Guliya ice core and core RM in Zoige, and thus supports the notion that the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau acts as an important link between climatic events in the North Atlantic realm and the Asian monsoon domain. The response of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau to the global climatic change is relatively sensitive.

    • A Review on the Taxonomic, Evolutionary and Phytogeographic Studies of the Lotus Plant (Nelumbonaceae: Nelumbo)

      2014, 88(4):1252-1261.

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      Abstract:Nelumbo Adans. (Nelumbonaceae) is an important member of the early-diverging eudicots. It contains two extant species: N. nucifera Gaertn. (the Sacred lotus), distributed in Asia and Australia and N. lutea Willd. (the American lotus), occurring in North America. This paper reviews the taxonomic, evolutionary and phytogeographic studies of the genus Nelumbo, and also raises scientific questions about it in further paleobotanic research. There are about 30 fossil species of Nelumbo established since the Early Cretaceous. Based on fossil studies, the ancestors of the extant N. nucifera and N. lutea are respectively considered to be N. protospeciosa from the Eocene to Miocene of Eurasia, and N. protolutea from the Eocene of North American. However, molecular systematic studies indicate that N. nucifera and N. lutea are probably split from a common ancestor during the Late Miocene to Early Pliocene, or even the Pleistocene, rather than separate relicts from extinct species on different continents. The characters of lotus stomatal development, seedling morphology as well as its flowering, pollination and fertilization in air reveal that it evolves from the land plants. Fossil data of Nelumbo indicates that the genus first occurs in mid-latitude area of Laurasia in the Early Cretaceous, then becomes widespread in North America and Eurasia and expands into Africa and South America during the Late Cretaceous; the genus probably colonizes the Indian Subcontinent from Asia during the Early Eocene after the collision of India and the Asian plates; the genus becomes extinct in Europe, but survives in Asia and North America during the Quaternary Ice Age, and later forms the present East Asia and North Australia-North America disjunctive distribution.

    • On the Yangtzeconus Priscus-Archaeospira Ornata Assemblage (Mollusca) of the Earliest Cambrian of China

      2014, 88(4):1262-1287.

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      Abstract:Yangtzeconus priscus-Archaeospira ornata, an important earliest Cambrian benthonic Assemblage of the Yangtze micromolluscan fauna, occurs mainly in the Lower Cambrian Zhongyicun and Dahai Members of the Yuhucun Formation in E Yunnan, the Tianzhushan Member (=Huangshandong Member) of the Dengying Formation in W Hubei and the Maidiping Member of the Hungchunping Formation in C Sichuan, China. About 90% of the genera of this Assemblage are unknown from the Nemakit-Daldynian and Tommotian molluscan Assemblages of the Siberian Platform, Russia. About 90% of the Siberian molluscan genera do not occur in the Zhongyicun and Dahai Members in the Meishucun section and in the corresponding beds of the Yangtze Platform, because the Tommotian molluscan Assemblage is characterizedly abundant archaeocyathids. It is clearly indicated that the Yangtze and Siberian molluscan Assemblages represent different bio- and lithofacies and ages. The age of the pre-trilobitic Yangtzeconus priscus-Archaeospira ornata Assemblage is older than that of the Nemakit-Daldynian and Tommotian molluscan Assemblages and referable to the Earliest Cambrian. Two new genera Mcnamaraconus and Zhangwentangoconus are herein proposed.

    • Enrichment of Platinum-group Elements (PGE) and Re-Os Isotopic Tracing for Porphyry Copper (Gold) Deposits

      2014, 88(4):1288-1309.

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      Abstract:Platinum-group elements (PGE) in PGE-rich porphyry copper (gold) deposits are mainly Pt and Pd, whereas the concentrations of other PGE (Ru, Rh, Os, Ir) are significantly low. Moreover, Pt and Pd mainly exist in sulfides in the forms of crystal lattice or tiny platinum-group mineral (PGM) inclusions. The present data show that there is a positive relationship between Pt and Pd concentrations and Cu (Au) in porphyry copper (gold) deposits. The comparison of chondrite-normalized PGE distribution patterns between the ore-bearing porphyry intrusions and ore-barren porphyry intrusions in arc setting, 187Os/188Os, 87Sr/86Sr and S isotopes for porphyry copper (gold) deposits shows that PGEs were mainly derived from the mantle, and fluids from subduction zones devoted trivial PGE to the magma. The porphyry copper (gold) deposits associated with subducted events are most probably enriched in PGE, whereas those related to crustal thickening, lithospheric delamination or underplating rarely concentrate PGE. The osmium isotopic compositions in porphyry copper (gold) deposits reveal that (187Os/188Os)i values are highly variable and not lower than those of primitive upper mantle (PUM) and mantle peridotite, however, osmium concentrations are commonly lower than mantle peridotite, suggesting that parental magmas of some porphyry intrusions had experienced crustal contamination during magma evolution. Experimental investigations have proved that PGE exist in the forms of Cl? and HS? complexes during transportation and migration of the ore-forming fluids. This paper summarizes previous studies including crucial controlling factors and mechanisms for PGE enrichment, and points out that the mantle-derived magmas parental to porphyry intrusions are the prerequisite for PGE enrichment in porphyry copper (gold) deposits. Favorable physical and chemical conditions (including salinity, temperature, pressure, pH, and oxygen fugacity) in hydrothermal fluids crucially control the PGE enrichment, and sulfur concentrations of melts play important roles in this process as well.

    • An Overview of Formation Mechanism and Disaster Characteristics of Post-seismic Debris Flows Triggered by Subsequent Rainstorms in Wenchuan Earthquake Extremely Stricken Areas

      2014, 88(4):1310-1328.

      Abstract (805) HTML (0) PDF 21.96 M (882) Comment (0) Favorites

      Abstract:The Wenchuan earthquake induced large amounts of debris flows and catastrophic incidents triggered by subsequent rainstorms occurred frequently in the past 6 rainy seasons, and thus resulted in serious casualties, huge economic loss and long-term impact. In this paper, post-seismic debris flows distributed in 10 Wenchuan earthquake extremely stricken counties were verified and debris flow database consisting of 609 debris flows was established based on detailed investigation organized by Land and Resources Department of Sichuan Province. Combined with database and related studies, the impact of Wenchuan earthquake on debris flows was analyzed. And then variation of formation conditions including rainfall threshold and landform condition was analyzed by contrasting pre-seismic and post-seismic debris flows. Followed are some typical viewpoints on initiation mechanism of post-seismic debris flows. In the end of this paper, characteristics of post-seismic debris flows triggered by subsequent rainstorms were comprehensively summarized, such as regional group occurrence, high frequency, high viscosity, chain effect, huge dynamics, large scale and long duration. We hope this paper will be helpful in understanding the formation mechanism, disaster characteristics and prevention countermeasures of post-seismic debris flows in Wenchuan earthquake extremely stricken areas.

    • Magnetite Quartzite-Type Iron Ores – China’s Most Important Current Iron Ore Source

      2014, 88(4):1329-1333.

      Abstract (612) HTML (0) PDF 8.26 M (1375) Comment (0) Favorites

      Abstract:

    • Ms 6.5 Earthquake Occurred in Ludian County of Yunnan Province, China, Although Forecast Issued before the Earthquake, Life Casualties and Property Losses were Still Caused Significant

      2014, 88(4):1334-1336.

      Abstract (652) HTML (0) PDF 8.26 M (943) Comment (0) Favorites

      Abstract:

Chief Editor:HOU Zengqian

Governing Body:China Association for Science and Technology

Organizer:Geological Society of China

start publication :1922

ISSN:ISSN 1000-9515

CN:CN 11-2001/P

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